Best Home Security Systems with Alexa 2019

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Amazon Alexa is the most popular voice assistant around, integrated into smart security systems from dozens of different brands. However, there’s so much to consider when choosing a security system that the task can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, you have me to guide you to the best security systems that work with Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice commands. Your home’s security game is going up several notches!

This review not only includes my top picks, but also a methodology of how to shop for a smart security system with Alexa as well as some best practices. There’s no time like the present so let’s get started!

Pros: For a low monthly or yearly price, you can get a whopping 60 days of cloud storage, local storage, cellular backup, professional monitoring, and even a 10% discount on Ring products! But if monthly fees aren’t your thing, you’ll still be able to livestream footage and receive notifications from the Ring— Always Home app. Of course, the components work with Alexa, allowing you to arm or disarm your system or ask for an update through speech only. Don’t worry— you’ll have to give a four-digit voice code before disarming.

Top Contender

Point Smart Alarm and Minut Box

Minut

If you’re looking for simplicity, look no further than the Minut Point Smart Alarm. It’s only one component, but has all the capabilities of a motion, temperature, and humidity sensor, plus the ability to recognize existing smoke and CO alarms.

Pros: With self-monitoring through their highly-rated app (Point— Smart Home Alarm for iOS and Point: Soft Home Security for Android), you’ll be able to see exactly what’s happening at home from anywhere in the world. Installation is as easy as plopping it on a flat surface, or mounting it on a wall. Plus, it plugs in, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing the battery. You’ll love telling Alexa to arm and disarm your system using your voice alone!

Cons: Minut doesn’t offer cellular backup or 24/7 professional monitoring, so if you’re busy or there’s a power outage, you could miss some important security or environmental updates.

Best With Cellular Backup

ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

In the event of a power outage, will your security system stay on? If it’s the ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit the answer is yes, as their hub has cellular backup built-in, with no extra charge to you!

Pros: For maximum coverage, you can purchase home security monitoring for a low monthly price. Aside from integrating with Amazon Alexa, the system also works with Google Assistant, Philips Hue, Arlo, Ring, and many other IoT brands for some convenient home automation. With the ADT Security Hub, contact sensors, and motion sensor, this is an affordable way to build your smart home security system.

Cons: The SmartThings app only has a 2.9 from the Apple store, so iPhone users may want to steer clear of this system.

Best with Optional Professional Monitoring

SimpliSafe Summerfort System

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe has a ton of Alexa capabilities, like having her arm your system or just asking her about the current status of your alarms. The company itself is disrupting the smart home security industry with professional monitoring and cellular backup available for a low price, with no long term contracts!

Pros: With many components available, you can either choose from a package or create your own customized security system. If you don’t want to pay fees, you can opt to self-monitor your system. Finally, installation is simple DIY, with most components as easy as peel-and-stick.

Cons: If you choose to self-monitor, you won’t have access to the SimpliSafe app, essentially turning your system into local alarms only.

Best Self-Monitored

Kangaroo

Alexa, have Kangaroo arm my windows and doors! If you’re just starting off in smart home security, then this pack, which includes an entry and a motion sensor, is a great place to begin.

Pros: Battery-operated, you can install these sensors in seconds, with no hub required. Plus, they even have optional 24/7 professional monitoring at low monthly and yearly prices, although you can self-monitor through the Kangaroo: Simple Home Security app if you prefer having no fees whatsoever. With the Complete package, however, you’ll also get text and voice call notifications, plus a discount on your home insurance of up to 20% off in addition to professional monitoring.

Cons: Unfortunately, the Kangaroo sensors don’t have any cellular backup, so they won’t work in the event of a power outage.

Best Home Security Systems with Alexa Methodology

In case you’re curious about how I came to these systems or want some guidance in shopping on your own, here are some things I look for in an Alexa-integrated security system:

Secure disarming: Alexa should require that you give a passcode before disarming the system so that only authorized users can turn the sensors and cameras off.

Monitoring: Before you start shopping, decide if you want to self monitor your system through it’s respective app, or if you want to pay a monthly or yearly fee for 24/7 professional monitoring.

Cellular backup: Your system should have some form of backup, whether it’s cellular, landline, or battery, in case there’s a power outage.

Installation: The majority of security systems nowadays have DIY installation, although some have professional installation available or required for an additional fee. Again, this is a personal preference.

App: You should make sure your security system has an app that’s highly rated by either iPhone or Android users, depending on your mobile device.

Best Home Security Systems with Alexa Tips

I’ve reviewed dozens of security systems, some with Amazon Alexa, some without. Here are my tips for selecting and using a home security system with Alexa:

Customer support reviews: Customer support is extremely important in case you have an emergency or a glitch with your security system, so be sure to read reviews from real customers regarding their support before buying.

Encryption: Make sure your system encrypts your username, password, and all other data using AES-256, the current industry standard for encryption.

Follow instructions: This may seem obvious, but while you’re setting up your DIY security system, make sure to follow the instructions in the same order they’re given. Trust me, I’ve wasted a lot of time trying to figure it out on my own!

Recap of Best Home Security Systems with Alexa

That’s it for the best security systems with Amazon Alexa! If you’re still unsure of which one to pick, you might want to start off with the best home security cameras of 2019 and go from there. Otherwise, leave me a comment below and I’m happy to respond with a personalized recommendation.

Published on September 5, 2019

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Gabe Turner is an attorney and journalist with a passion for home tech and secure, efficient living. Since graduating from NYU Law, he has maintained a paradoxical existence of trying to live life adventurously while remaining staunchly risk-averse. He is torn by the dual desires of wanting to only be in Brooklyn writing about housing policy and smart home tech and aspiring to visit his friends scattered across the globe. Gabe believes that stable, safe communities are the cornerstone to a vibrant and healthy society, and it is this passion that brought him to contribute to Security Baron.